Palermo, August 20, 2018

Already established as a tradition, the annual 500nm Palermo-Montecarlo offshore race attracts a fleet of character and exception. Organised by Circolo della Vela Sicilia, Yacht Club de Monaco and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, this year sees 55 boats on the start. And, again this year, it is a stage on the International Maxi Association (IMA) circuit.

The fleet leaves Gulf of Mondello (Sicily) today 21 August to ascend the Mediterranean via a passage gate off Porto Cervo (Sardinia), up the Corsican coast to Monaco. The record to beat, held since 2015 by the 100-ft Maxi Esimit Europa 2, is 47 hours 46 minutes 48 seconds. There’s plenty of challengers, including Bryon Ehrhart’s Lucky, 2017 line honours winner; George David’s Rambler 88 whose crew includes 4-time America’s Cup winner, Brad Butterworth; and the YCM’s Adalberto Miani accompanied by son Guido and grandson Daniel on Art Spirit of Porto Piccolo. First in the 49th Barcolana, this boat is one of the favourites.

Sailing alongside professionals is a team of young sailors from the Yacht Club de Monaco, racing under the aegis of the Sailing Youth Offshore Academy U25, with 3 from the Sicilian club on a First 50 Freedom. Age 14-22 and supervised by 2 coaches from the 2 clubs, the goal is to immerse them in the thrills of offshore racing, part of the YCM’s policy to get young people into sailing and the yachting professions via its training centre, La Belle Classe Academy.

Prize-giving of Palermo-MOntecarlo offshore will take place in Montecarlo on 26 August 2018.

(Source: Yacht Club de Monaco press office team)